Done

"Isn't this what I said, LORD, when I was still at home?  This is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish.  I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.  Now Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live."  (Jonah 4:2-3 TNIV)

Jonah is ticked.  For the fourth time in the story, a prayer is uttered.  Jonah tells God quite clearly:  You always do this.  These people are wretched.  I told you in the beginning, you are just gonna take me there and have me share a message of coming wrath, only to stop before its time.  You make yourself look so weak. This world is going to Sheol in a handbasket and you just want to give them more chances.  I can't take this anymore, kill me.

Seems strange doesn't it?  God had decided not to destroy Ninevah, isn't that something Jonah should be excited about?  Shouldn't Jonah have been celebrating in the streets with the people of Ninevah?

Have you ever been bullied?  Perhaps, in school.  Sometimes physically and other times verbally, but bullied nonetheless. These bullies were never the individuals who got theirs. Instead, they were the stronger, smarter, wealthier who continuously rubbed their power in your face.  Time and again, you wanted them to get paid back, but they almost always seemed to escape nearly scarless.  Didn't seem fair did it?  Jonah didn't think so either.

It is not fair to say that Jonah should have just accepted the "repentance" as recompense for Ninevah's previous actions.  I don't believe that God is telling Jonah to let bygones be bygones. I find it difficult to believe a "gracious and compassionate God" is willing to simply disregard Jonah's frustration.  However, God does attempt to give Jonah a much different perspective.  One that reminds Jonah who is really in charge.

The words of the LORD in the remaining verses are difficult, but necessary.  Jonah is reminded that he is not really responsible for any of the real upkeep regarding the earth.  While he benefits from it, Jonah is an inhabitant, just like the Ninevites.   He gave no real thought to the people of Ninevah, until this fateful trip.  We cannot possibly understand or even value other people until we see them for who they are:  fellow inhabitants.

True some are despicable.  Some are predators.  Some are just completely diseased.  Still others,  are just like us.  They like their coffee and enjoy desserts.  They cry at sappy movies and get excited at sporting events.  They love good books and maybe a glass of wine.  Like us, they can be moved to repentance when they realize that something must change.

And the LORD is always compassionate towards them, even when we won't be.